Solar Panels Plus is proud to be participating in the Learning Barge project by contributing its market leading solar collectors. The Learning Barge, which is scheduled for operation in mid September, is a collaborative design and fabrication initiative of students from the University of Virginia School of Architecture and School of Engineering and Applied Science that incorporates research and sustainable design principles to promote environmental education on the Elizabeth River, one of the most polluted estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The floating field station is powered by solar and wind energy, collects rainwater, filters gray water with native plants and utilizes recycled and renewable materials.

The integrated educational component for K-12 school children offers opportunities to experience the river firsthand and engage in hands-on exploration and learning. The project is a collaboration with the Elizabeth River Project in southeastern Virginia.  The barge will travel throughout the Elizabeth River making frequent daily stops to allow students to board the barge for the educational portion of the project.